Eternal
Paradise Lost
The Inevitable Descent into Eternal Sleep
Paradise Lost's song 'Eternal' delves into the themes of existential despair, the fleeting nature of life, and the inevitability of death. The lyrics paint a bleak picture of a world where emotions have withered, and love has decayed, suggesting a sense of hopelessness and disillusionment. The opening lines, 'Why can't we hear / The time must come for us to leave here,' set the tone for the song, indicating an awareness of the impending end and a questioning of the purpose of existence.
The song's narrative continues to explore the idea of being 'obsessed to leave the earth,' hinting at a desire to escape the suffering and tragedy that have plagued humanity since birth. This is further emphasized by the lines, 'Now our righteous fathers weep / As we greet eternal sleep,' which evoke a sense of sorrow and resignation as the characters in the song confront their mortality. The repeated question, 'Are we born to pass away?' underscores the existential crisis at the heart of the song, questioning the meaning of life and the inevitability of death.
As the song progresses, it becomes clear that hope and glory are fading, leaving only dismal thoughts and a sense of impending doom. The lyrics, 'Now as hope and glory dies / We'll scream at our demise,' capture the anguish and desperation of facing the end. The song's melancholic tone and introspective lyrics reflect Paradise Lost's signature gothic metal style, characterized by dark, brooding themes and a somber atmosphere. 'Eternal' serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life and the inescapable reality of death, resonating with listeners who grapple with similar existential questions.